CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Sheletta Brundidge was trying to enjoy a family vacation. The mother of four had packed up their Camping World RV for spring break in early March for the 18-hour trip from their Minnesota home to her native Houston for the city’s Livestock Show and Rodeo.
The event included a “Sensory Friendly Day” that Sheletta said she thought her three youngest children, who were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders, would enjoy. The carnival’s lights and music were muted for part of that day so individuals with special needs wouldn’t be overstimulated.
During the trip, though, Sheletta noticed that her 9-year-old son, Brandon, who was diagnosed with severe autism at 3 years old, was fixated on something. In the moment, she couldn’t figure out what it was.
